Today, as we write about how we have evolved as travelers, the world is closer knit than ever before. Thus providing the travelers infinite opportunities to explore and travel to beautiful places around the world. We have always loved travel. And you must be knowing the same if you have read about the beginning of our travel story. (Although, my first grand trip happened much before, when I was just 4-5 years old! )But, we will like to consider 2016 as a turning point in our travel lifestyle. Why? Because this is the year that we decided to start our travel blogging journey seriously. And as a result of this journey that we embarked upon, we became a part of a bigger travel community and evolved as travelers.
As a result of continuous interaction with different travel communities and seasoned travelers, over the past 2 years, we have continuously learnt new means and new ways of travel that we never knew before. We are sure there is a much longer road to traverse. Compared to what we have already covered. But we feel, this is the point where it will be interesting to share some of our learnings and insights and how we evolved as travelers so far. So, here’s a list of a few things that we learnt over past couple of years while we evolved as travelers.
Virtual Travel
While we started pursuing travel blogging as a passion, we still are very much into our full time jobs. Which means, we don’t have the luxury of traveling all the time. But since we loved traveling so much, we often found ourselves carving for that vacation all the time while we were not traveling. It would start soon after we were back from our vacation, however lavish and long that vacation may be. Slowly, while interacting in travel communities and talking to people 1:1 we learnt there are ways to satisfy the wanderlust even while one is not traveling. And since then, we are happier. Essentially, we learnt the art of virtual travel as we evolved as travelers.
Some of the things that we started doing while not really traveling include:
- Watching travel documentaries, movies, shows for the destinations that are in our bucket list.
- Reading. We read lots of travel books, guide books, blogs by fellow travel bloggers.
- Being creative with our own travel stories. Every time we write a travel story, we relieve a lot of our favorite travel moments.
- Going through our travel photographs time and again.
- Interacting in travel communities. And even when we are not interacting, we just try to be good listeners, reading about other interactions.
Surprisingly, all this not just helps us satisfy our wanderlust through the virtual travel experience that these offer. But, we also enrich our knowledge about different places – places that we have traveled to as well as places that we intend to travel to in future. That is why we qualify virtual travel as one of the factors including which in our travel lifestyle, we have evolved as travelers.
Planning your own vacation
I know, we are often having time constraints. And if someone else could plan our whole vacation including all the details like what to do, where to stay, which flights to book and how to book these flights really cheap, which train tickets to book etc. and deliver the package to us, nothing like that, right? Well, this is the mode we were in initially when we started traveling together. But soon we realized it is much more fun to plan our own travel. Be it a weekend outing or a vacation that spans over weeks. We started planning it all on our own. And the results were tremendous.
Some of the things that we learnt while planning our own vacation:
- The kind of flexibility that you get when you plan things on your own is simply unparalleled.
- You get to learn so much about the destination that you never can when you don’t have to read about it, do researches and book your vacation on your own.
- It is so much more economical. Believe it or not, our travel budget is always less than half of what the agents normally quote.
- The excitement of the vacation begins as soon as the planning begins. Sometimes, months before the actual vacation.
When we went to Goa the first time, we had booked a package trip. There was a one day sightseeing trip included in that. The sights were so beautiful but the schedule was so jam packed that we felt drained by end of the day. That is when we decided we will plan our days on own going forward. When we went to Goa the next time, we found the resort as per our own choice and then we planned out what to do, what to see. And we had an awesome time. On the same lines, we planned our walking tours on our recent Europe trip – including the day 1 walking tour and the day 2 exploration around Florence, a random walking tour in Venice, one in Lucerne and then one in Amsterdam. And we totally loved all the time we spent on these self planned walking tours.
Travel more frequently
Do you keep going on short vacations again and again? Or, do you plan a grand vacation spanning weeks, once an year? We were like the later initially. When we wanted a vacation, we wanted it to be grand and huge and spanning over days. But soon we realized however grand it be, if you are bitten by wanderlust like us, a few weeks after you return from the vacation, you will be carving for the next one. Slowly we started accommodating more vacations of smaller durations in our year. And we were happier! We do a little planning for this before the start of the year. For instance, we figure out what are the long weekends when we can easily get 3-4-5 days slots for vacation. And then note these slots down. This way, we have been able to travel so much more and also more frequently.
Soon we found the number of times we are going on vacation, is increasing with each passing year. And the current year broke all records. We have been to Ooty, Kodaikanal, Hampi, Lepakshi, Kolar, Wayanad, Coorg, Goa and Pondicherry like this. All of these involved 2-4 days vacation time but the memories that we have built are treasurable. This year, we went to Palampur in Himalayas and returned back in 4 days. And not to mention, we had an awesome time there. This taught us a valuable lesson, that it is possible to even go far and wide on smaller vacations and the results are as rewarding as ever. Looking at other fellow travelers travel in this mode definitely gave us the required boost to plan more frequent shorter travel.
Slow Travel
Earlier we did less trips. And we tried to cram as much as possible in that one vacation. Since we wanted to see as much as possible and do as much as possible while on the vacation. In the last few years, we learnt that travel is not about rushing. It is about slowing down and soaking into what you like. Be it the natural surroundings or the vibe of the place. So,we did. Particularly, this year, when we traveled to Coorg, Wayanad, Kabini and Yercaud.
Our travel planning now includes observing the sunrise and the sunsets, stopping at locations which we love at first sight instead of the locations that everyone goes to. We gazed at the stars while taking a walk after dinner in Kabini. I sat with my friend on a beach in Goa and just chit chatted. We walked the sunset in Coorg and Kabini. Just at the lovely places we liked for hours. When we planned our Europe trip this time, we didn’t aim to visit every single museum or art gallery. We roamed around, walked, hopped on and off the boats in Venice and buses elsewhere, and did what we truly desired to do. And I guess that is one reason the trip turned out to be so lovely. After this, we feel that definitely we have evolved as travelers.
Eco Travel
We have always been nature lovers and we do take care always not to disturb the balance of nature while we travel. But after we became a part of the travel fraternity, we realized there are so many ways we can travel better. And that there are so many ways we travelers harm mother nature and other creatures while traveling, out of our ignorance, not really intentionally. Thus, this is where our mode of travel started changing and more and more we have opted for eco travel. Be it as simple a step as carrying a refill bottle of water with us. Or, staying in eco friendly resorts like Gorukana. And the experience seems to be so much more rewarding.
Staying in homestay
Our homestay journey began with Little Chilli Shimla, more out of compulsion that desire. Since we were traveling with our little daughter. And so, I wanted to have access to the kitchen as well as a family atmosphere. But such was the experience that since then, we got more inclined towards homestay. And since then, we have stayed in Casa Coorg in Coorg, Norwood Greens and The Lodge at Wah in Palampur, Peepal Tree Kabini and many other homestays.
Soaking into the place you visit
Over the years we have learnt how to soak into the cultural and traditional spirits of the place we visit. We have started looking more and more for local experience. Like a local festival. Eating at local eateries. Interacting with the locals whenever we get a chance. And also going by their recommendation for places to see and places to eat at. We strongly feel this has enriched our travel experience in a lot of ways. We really feel like we know the place we are visiting. The world feels like our home. We feel better informed and we enjoy our trips better.
Traveling at any budget
We also learnt how to travel on a budget. Earlier we just didn’t know there are countless ways we can travel anywhere on a limited budget. Slowly as we interacted with the fellow travelers, we came to know more and more of ways to travel on a budget. We learnt how to take free walking tours, visit places that are freely accessible or on a very minimal cost. How to find places of stay that are economical yet don’t compromise on the standards. And how to cook on your trip and save on your food budget. This list will go on and on if I continue to write here. But really, it has been amazing to know that you have options to travel anywhere on a budget with planning and thoughtfulness.
We applied many of the budget friendly techniques on our Europe trip. And we were amazed when people asked us after the trip how we did Europe on such a budget! We stayed in apartment at times, cooked where possible, took free self-guided self-planned trips. And enjoyed every moment of the journey.
Overall, we feel really great looking at our journey and how we have evolved as travelers since last couple of years. Hope the journey continues and we meet more and more wonderful people during our travel journey. With whom we will keep evolving as better travelers.
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It is such a wonderful feeling to reflect on your growth as travelers. Actually,I myself have never been on a grand vacation in my entire life so far.My holidays never last for more than a week.I have only gone and stayed at houses of family members outside my city for 2-3 weeks that’s all.In fact this post has given me an idea for a blog post now,I was going through a writer’s block all this while.Even I prefer planning my travels on my own than getting a travel agent for it .I planned and organized the entire family trip to Malaysia trip in 2017 and trust me it was the trip I have ever had in my entire life so far.We have hired an agent only once and that was a life lesson for us to never hire one again,this was during our trip to Sri Lanka.We were being counterproductive during our vacation and that counter productivity lead to a burnout.
So well said Harini. The “hiring an agent” always burns us out. First off all it means more money involved. But the worst part is the cramped itinerary that they come up with for you, with hardly any room for flexibility. Once you plan the trip on your own and have got the taste of that flexibility, it is almost impossible to go back to the agent way.
What a wonderful reflection on growth and evolution. I also like the planning part of the travel, not so much for its tasks, but because it makes you indirectly think about what it is you want from the trip. And I find that those trips, when I do take them, are richer and more rewarding, and I grow more through them.
I’m totally on the same page with slow travel – quality over quantity, and walking softly on the earth. After all, the places we cannot go to, others have – and we can listen to their stories instead.
So true. Totally agree with you.
As somebody who traveled long-term and slowly I can totally relate to evolving as a traveler, like you mentioned just from meeting other travelers you find different ways to travel, although up until recently I didn’t take small vacations my trips were continuous from one country to another – I’ve now had to adapt my traveling style as I need to come home to England to work – Like your self although I’m a travel blogger I still need a full job – And, you know the great thing about traveling is, you never stop learning and evolving – I look forward to hearing more of your traveling evolution over the years 😀
Thanks Amit. Totally correct. You can never stop evolving as a traveler. It’s a continuous process.
My wife and I were currently on our full time jobs. But trying our best to spend vacation from one time to another. Well, only if God will permit that we’ll be able to do long trips like yours. Written beautifully.
Thanks! Actually, if you see, we had one 2 weeks long vacation in years. So, not sure if that really qualifies as a long vacation, neither do we get frequent vacations of 2 weeks but the important point is to keep taking breaks, the duration doesn’t really matter.
I can relate so much to this post. Similarly I can spend hours online, just reading, learning and researching travel destinations – while I focus on work and studies. Prioritizing makes managing everything a little more simple but the wanderlust is so strong with me!
Totally agree
Really cool post. The things to do when you’re not travelling is cool. I’m working full time at the moment so very much relevant!
Great David. Thank you
What are some travel books you liked and would recommend? I too work 9-to-5 so it’s always inspiring to see others who are able to use their vacation days so wisely (such as like you said, using long weekends to travel) and see so many different parts of the world. Slow travel is definitely something I’m working on myself as well. It’s hard though especially when there’s so much to see and so little time!
You are right Jas. We feel like we have just started. I have come to like the lonely planet guides. I skip some sections but I really like the details they put up about the history and culture of the place. I recently read one on Bali since I am planning to head there this year. And totally loved it.
We love to plan our own trips. Just with planning comes learning and being a little more knowledgeable on your destination. Great article!
Exactly Sherrie. Can totally relate. Thank you!
I just read your entire story on how it all began! Its beautiful! I can relate to your accident story as well. We met with ours on Oct 2, a few years back and still one of our friend who was with us in the car, straight away says ‘no’ if I talk about Oct 2 long weekend plans.
Can totally relate Bhushavali. Although time is the best healer, things like these are hard to forget. And the worst that happens is accidents hit our confidence. Hope he will get over the trauma and start traveling again. Last year, when I was returning from my Europe trip on May1, I had the memories of the May1 trip from 4 years back when we had met with the accident and it sent shivers down my spine. But then, I felt like gathering all my courage and breaking that wall..started traveling again on May 1st weekend
We can relate to so much of this. Especially how after a grand vacation, you can’t survive unless you begin to etch out smaller vacations until your next grand one.
Totally agree. The vacations have to keep flowing in constantly.
Wow! Such an inspiring post, Neha. Your evolution is definitely visible and noticeable. Hope you keep growing and evolving not only as traveler but as persons. 😉
Thank you so much Agness!
Very Nice Neha! I think, that is such a beautiful feeling once you realise that there is a certain way to explore and enjoy the sights. Travel Blogging makes you see travel in a different light. My evolvement is around how can i make a difference to the world and also tell tales better to my son. I guess the economy mode and travel planning were long embedded inside 🙂
Have got to agree with you. Each one of us evolve in the process of traveling, in our own ways and for the better. Thats the beauty of it 🙂
Planning for travel is as exciting as travel itself and I totally am with you. As a full time job holder and bitten by the travel bug, you need to find small opportunities to travel to keep yourself satisfied on travel front. Great post and I am glad to see you evolve as a traveler
Thank you so much Swati. Have got to totally agree with you
So true it is an amazing journey from being a tourist to being a traveler. I fully agree that self planned itineraries and travels cost less than half of what tour operators charge. Once you get the taste of that there is no looking back and we carve out small decent memorable travels. It is always enlightening reading your blogs. 🙂
Thank you so much Indrani. Apart from saving the cost, the amount of freedom that you get to plan on your own, nothing can match that!!
such a well written article with simple content .Loved reading it and it helped me to think back on my journey as a traveler too
Thank you so much Sumit
Thanks for sharing your insights. We’ve definitely found that planning our own trips is the way to go. We really like being in control of where we are going when and getting to make the things we want to see a top priority. Happy travels!
Happy travels to you too!
I have been following your blogs and been pleasantly surprised at the quality of photos and the storytelling. You really have evolved as travelers and I hope your upcoming trips are good too!
Fingers crossed!
Thanks for the wishes Ambuj. Now, we are kind of also going with the flow, and trips are sprouting up spontaneously more often than ever before. So, I guess it will be a continued journey of evolution going forward.
Planning the trip part is great fun.I wish I could plan my own solo travels but I don’t get to do it because of my age and gender 🙁
hmmm…the right time will come for you too. Age might be a concern for your parents and relatives. But gender definitely is not a concern now a days. Yes, you have to consider few things and be on your guard as a female solo traveler but you have many icons to look up to in today’s world. So, don’t be disheartened.
This is truly a remarkable post and I can so relate to it, I think we all become smarter and evolve as we travel, as the practical knowledge that one gains after traveling regularly is nothing compared to what we read.. great post
Thank you so much Aditi. What you say is totally correct.
So true. When we start planning our next trip as soon as we’ve returned from the previous one, we tend to continue the magic, right! 🙂 I do the same. And I’ve found that you don’t have to travel far and expensive in order to feel liberated and excited for learning and seeing something new. Sometimes it only takes a car ride to the next town! 🙂
I’m also not a fan of ’40-countries-in-4-months” trips, even though it seems to be oh so popular. Slow traveling is better, it gives you enough time to enjoy the place. Just like you did gazing at sunsets in Coorg and Kabini. How many sunsets would you be able see in “40-countries-in-4-months” trip! 😀
Exactly Danijela!! You read my mind through this post. I can never think of rushing like that. We have started loving our trip planning as well as the small small details of our trips like those sunsets and sunrises you mentioned. That is why I believe, even though we are not traveling all the time, still we have ample travel stories to share with the world